Gyeongnam National University to Lead Major Transformation of Gyeongsangnam-do's Future Automobile Industry

Gyeongnam National University has officially begun building a regional innovation ecosystem aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Gyeongsangnam-do's future automobile industry as a university focused on industry-academia cooperation.

On April 20, at the International Seminar Room on the 4th floor of Hanma Mirae Hall, Gyeongnam National University hosted the launch and business agreement ceremony for the 'Gyeongsangnam-do Future Automobile Manufacturing Sector Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration Group' in partnership with Gyeongsangnam-do, Haman County, Gyeongsang National University, Masan University, Korea NSK Co., Ltd., GMB Korea Co., Ltd., DMG Co., Ltd., Wonkang Industry Co., Ltd., Seil Industry Co., Ltd., Kwangshin Machine Industry Co., Ltd., Gyeongnam Technopark Foundation, BNK Kyongnam Bank, and a total of 13 organizations and companies.

Group photo of attendees at the launch and business agreement ceremony for the 'Gyeongsangnam-do Future Automobile Manufacturing Sector Industry-Academia-Research Council'.
[Photo by Gyeongnam National University]

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This agreement was arranged to respond to the era-defining shift toward the future automobile industry, enhance the competitiveness of the region’s core manufacturing sector, and establish a sustainable industrial ecosystem where young talent can remain and grow locally. It is especially significant that Gyeongnam National University spearheaded the agreement, bringing together key innovation stakeholders in the region.

Under the agreement, Gyeongnam National University and the participating universities will implement demand-driven customized curricula for the future automobile industry, develop interdisciplinary majors, expand field training opportunities, offer internship programs linked to employment, and promote joint technology development and collaborative research and development (R&D) support. Through these efforts, they will systematically nurture practical, professional talent ready for immediate deployment in the industry, and ensure a stable supply of essential personnel to meet corporate needs.

The participating companies will prioritize the recruitment of local talent, pursue technological innovation, invest in facilities, run joint industry-academia projects, and provide scholarship support. Gyeongnam Technopark Foundation will oversee the planning of joint technology development projects and the coordination of corporate support programs. BNK Kyongnam Bank plans to support local win-win finance by offering low-interest loans, financial consulting, and housing and start-up financial support for young people at participating companies. As a result, a Gyeongsangnam-do-style future automobile anchor model-organically connecting education, industry, technology, and finance-will be fully operational, with Gyeongnam National University at its center.

The event was attended by Hong Jeonghyo, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Gyeongnam National University; Ha Jeongsu, Head of University Cooperation at Gyeongsangnam-do; Lee Hyeonbeom, Head of Tourism and Education at Haman County; Kim Haeji, Head of the Department of Future Automobile Engineering at Gyeongsang National University; Lee Sangwon, Head of the RISE Project Group at Masan University; Kim Jaehyun, CEO of DMG Co., Ltd.; Kim Seungcheol, Head of Policy Planning at Gyeongnam Technopark Foundation; and Oh Hunsik, Head of the Innovation Growth Finance Center at BNK Kyongnam Bank, among other officials.

Hong Jeonghyo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, stated, "The future of regional industry depends on how closely universities are connected with the field," and added, "Based on our accumulated experience in industry-academia cooperation and practical, work-centered education, Gyeongnam National University will nurture the core talent to lead the future automobile industry and further strengthen our role as an innovative university that grows together with the region."

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